The Buffalo Farm in Northern Ontario has developed into a family-run destination that blends sustainable accommodation with a strong connection to nature.
Founded by Stan and Mariam Gibson, the initiative builds on decades of their work in education and environmental stewardship, including the establishment of the Ecologos Environmental Organization in Canada in 1982. That group continues today with its Water Docs Programs, which focus on water protection and climate issues.
Seeking to reconnect with nature themselves, the Gibsons and their three adult children expanded their efforts into outdoor hospitality by creating The Buffalo Farm.
Situated on 600 acres at the northern edge of Algonquin Park, the property offers guests direct immersion in forests, fields, and riverside landscapes.
The Amable du Fond River runs through the farm, shaping a setting that hosts a range of overnight stays, including a handcrafted yurt, a tipi, a tiny home, and, most recently, a larger accommodation called Blackbird.
Visitors have shared a variety of experiences during their stays. “A much-needed getaway from the craziness of day-to-day life,” wrote Marissa and Ethan in January 2017, adding that they planned to return in multiple seasons.
Another guest, Kat, who stayed with Dan in October 2020, noted, “The location and surroundings are so stunning, and Mother Nature even gave us sightings of the Milky Way and a huge rainbow.”
Other guests highlighted features such as the riverside setting, warmth of the yurt, and the farm’s welcoming atmosphere.
For industry professionals, The Buffalo Farm provides an example of how glamping and eco-accommodations can be positioned to appeal to travelers seeking immersive, low-impact experiences.
Its model emphasizes sustainable operations through recycling, composting, off-grid systems, and the use of renewable or untreated building materials.
Blackbird, introduced as the farm’s newest lodging option, demonstrates how properties can expand to host not just couples or families but also larger groups and small events, offering flexibility in use while remaining rooted in environmental values.
This approach aligns with broader industry trends where consumers are looking for authentic, nature-based experiences that are both environmentally responsible and adaptable to different types of travelers.
Operators in the outdoor hospitality and glamping sectors may find value in examining how The Buffalo Farm integrates community engagement, sustainability, and diversification of accommodation types within one property.
Featured image by The Buffalo Farm via thebuffalofarm.ca
